Crossword Genius

Study over time causes depression (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dent

'depression' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'study over time' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'den' (term for a study or office).
'over' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'den'+'t'='DENT'

'causes' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for dent that I've seen before include "Mark of knock" , "'Dinge, depression (4)'" , "Surface hollow" , "TV lexicographer?" , "Hollow from impact" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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